News

Troops kill five terrorists, 44 surrender in Borno

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2024

Admin

No fewer than five terrorists have been killed by troops deployed for counter-terrorism operations in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops of the Nigerian Army in the operation conducted on August 12, 2024, in addition to killing the terrorists, recovered bombs, a Rocket Propel Gun, and six motorcycles, among others.

The Army, in a statement on Tuesday on X.com, also said 44 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to troops deployed at Bama, Dikwa, and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno state.

The post read, “On August 12, 2024, troops conducted a raid operation on an Islamic West Africa Province terrorists’ enclave in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. In the operation, troops neutralized five terrorists and recovered two Rocket Propel Gun Bombs, two Dane guns, one RPG Bomb Charger, one AK-47 Rifle Magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62 x 54 mm ammunition, six motorcycles and assorted medications.

“Meanwhile, following sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups in the North East theatre, 44 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered to troops deployed at Bama, Dikwa and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State.”

The service stated that troops arrested a notorious cattle rustler, Maawuya Shuaibu, in Plateau State, adding that a total of 32 rustled cows were recovered from him.

“In Plateau State, troops have arrested a notorious cattle rustler, Mallam Maawuya Shuaibu, at Mararaban Kantom in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state. The suspect who has been on the watchlist of the security agencies in connection with criminal activities in the general area of Barikin Ladi, Riyom, and Mangu Local Government areas of the state, was nabbed as the vigilant troops responded to credible intelligence on the suspect’s illicit activities. The troops recovered 32 rustled cows from the suspect,” the statement added.

In Bayelsa State, the Nigerian Army said troops conducted raid operations into suspected criminal hideouts in Korokorosie Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The statement added, “During the operation, troops arrested Mr Donald Emason and recovered one Revolver pistol and two locally fabricated guns concealed by the suspect.

“Similarly, troops deployed at Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State have arrested a suspected gun runner, Mohammed Bello, 33 years. The suspect, who was picked up from his hideout, confessed to being one of the couriers supplying arms and ammunition to Bello Chikidawoje’s kidnap syndicate operating in the general area.”

News

HoR Mediates Peace Among Rival Safety Professional Groups

Published

11 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards have gained success in reconciliation of the three opposing groups within the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON).

In a press briefing in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee on Safety, Standards, and Regulations, Rep. Suleiman Gumi, stressed that the reconciliation was crucial for improving safety conditions across Nigeria.

The Chairman also explained that the committee allowed all parties to present their views, resulting in resolutions aimed at uniting the factions, and that all groups were given equal opportunities to air their grievances, culminating in a final meeting where reconciliation was achieved.

“As a result of this meeting, a Caretaker Committee (CTC) has been set up. The committee is tasked with organizing a conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect new executives for ISPON as one unified body. The national leaders of the institute have happily endorsed this decision, symbolizing a fresh start for ISPON. Present here with me are members of the CTC, including past presidents and notable figures who have contributed to ISPON in various ways”, Gumi said.

The chairman further disclosed that ISPON plans to hold a unification conference in Abuja from October 17th to 19th, 2024.

He added, “I am here to inform you about the upcoming unification conference and AGM. ISPON was established in 2014 by an Act of the National Assembly, but leadership disagreements following the 2016 elections led to a division into three factions, slowing down the institute’s activities. Despite intervention efforts from various bodies like the Inspector General of Police, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and others, the issues persisted.

“To address this, the National Assembly established a Committee on Safety Standards, which prioritized resolving ISPON’s divisions for the good of promoting safety in Nigeria.”

Rep. Gumi urged all employers of labour in Nigeria to note that from October 19th, new ISPON executives will be in charge, and only certifications issued by this new body will be valid.

“From that point onward, all Health and Environmental Safety (HES) practitioners must obtain ISPON’s new certification to practice, as required by the ISPON Act of 2014. A revalidation process will occur, and new certificates will be distributed. We call on all stakeholders to support this unity process,” Gumi stated.

The Committee also advised all safety professionals to obtain the new ISPON certification to continue practicing in the country.

According to him, the establishment of the Caretaker Committee was aimed at ensuring that a unified ISPON executive was in place after the conference.

Gumi therefore emphasized that all parties had embraced the reconciliation in a positive and celebratory spirit. He however, cautioned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process for personal interests would face consequences.

The unification conference is set for October 17th to 19th, 2024, in Abuja, and all relevant practitioners are required to participate in the new certification process.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders and assured that ISPON would soon return to its rightful position as a leading safety body in Nigeria.

Former ISPON President, Shaw Fregene, who was instrumental in creating the bill that established the institute, attributed the crisis to personal interests.

He explained that disagreements over leadership arose in 2016, when certain members felt the leadership was no longer adhering to the rules of the institute.

“Once your two-year tenure is over, you should go for re-election. How can someone remain in office for six years without a mandate? That was the issue. Some individuals wanted to turn leadership into a personal property, which is wrong,” Fregene stated.

Similarly, former ISPON Secretary, Iyenoma Osazee, emphasized the benefits of being an ISPON member and noted that the crisis opened the door to unprofessional practices.

“In South Africa, foreign qualifications alone do not permit one to practice. You still need to go through their process. Here, however, the situation deteriorated, and unqualified individuals began to dominate the space. This misinterpretation of the law is what brought us here,” Osazee explained.

In closing, the Institute called on sponsors to support its upcoming conference.

News

Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo

Published

3 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.

Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.

For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.

THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.

He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.

There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….

A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.

The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.

News

Guber poll :PDP govs storm Edo to support Ighodalo

Published

3 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Barely 24hours to governorship election in Edo State, no fewer than two governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday arrived Benin City.

The governors, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Kefas Agbu of Taraba, arrived the state to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Fintiri made this known in a post on his social media page on Friday evening.

He said : “Just touched down in Edo State alongside my brother, Gov. Agbu Kefas, ahead of the September 21st gubernatorial election. We stand united in support of our Official PDP Nigeria candidate, Asue ighodalo, for a brighter future.”

Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP leader in the state, had earlier cried out over alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress to rig the election.

As at the time of filling this report, it was unclear if other PDP governors would also hit the state for the election